I booked speedy boarding in June for the first time as we were travelling sans luggage for the first time - it worked really well for us - gave us time to store hand baggage and get settled before others started to come on. Worked brilliantly in Corfu - checked in on-line so went straight to the desk, got Greek boarding card and went and sat outside in the sunshine for a while with a drink before going through security. First on the bus to board and settled in seats well before others. As there is no way I will travel with luggage again I will certainly book speedy again - we are both a bit creaky and slow these days so it was a boon to be able to take our time wandering onto the flight at Manchester. Not for everyone, but good for us.
Message posted by brucelin1949 on 29 July 2011 at 12:02pm - IP Logged
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Message posted by Gill B on 29 July 2011 at 12:21pm - IP Logged
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Gill B
I think its worth every penny just for the entertainment of watching everyone else trying to get to the front of the queue and then just strolling on to the plane in front of them!!
I did wonder if it would work coming back from Corfu but they took us all to the plane on a separate bus before they brought everyone else. Go for the grey seats at the front or near the emergency exits as they have more leg room but you have to be fit enough to open the exit should the need arise!!
Message posted by lorac on 29 July 2011 at 12:26pm - IP Logged
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Is there a limit on how many people can book speedy boarding - what happens if a large percentage book it? It wouldn't be speedy boarding then would it?
Message posted by goodman on 29 July 2011 at 1:34pm - IP Logged
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Speedy boarding is great...it subsidises cheaper seats for all, maybe a few more could travel overweight just to make sure the prices stay down. On a serious note I have seen large queues on the speedy boarding side, and have wondered whether its always worth it...but I guess if you are less mobile or have very young children it must surely be advantageous to book speedy boarding, I sit on the fence with this, a leg either side of the boarding queues!!
Message posted by ginpop on 29 July 2011 at 2:04pm - IP Logged
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I booked speedy boarding for the first time this year as we were travelling with my elderly parents and it was well worth paying the extra. I have also been on EJ flights where they have let speedy boarders onto the bus first and then let everyone else on the same bus which meant the normal free for all at the aircraft. If it works it works well but I think if there are any delays at the airport they just try and get everyone on the planes as quickly as possible and SB becomes a joke. Just be aware it does not always work! Nevertheless I will book it again. (worth mentioning that if you are travelling with young children you do get some priority boarding anyway)!
Message posted by sue avrio on 29 July 2011 at 2:54pm - IP Logged
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Also meant to say that there is only a limited amount of SB sold for every flight. I asked the air hostess how many and she advised it depended on the size of the aircraft but normally max 50 available (which sounds a lot but would give you the advantage of seating together)
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 29 July 2011 at 2:58pm - IP Logged
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I can't see the point of Speedy Boarding. The only advantage as far as I can work out is that you might get extra legroom seats. But each easyjet flight we have been on (Ryanair too) has had as many speedy boarders as ordinary plebs! They can't ALL sit near the emergency exits!
Might be worth it if you have kids with you, but otherwise I'd save your money and spend it on a meal out when you get to your resort!
Message posted by wishiwas on 29 July 2011 at 4:00pm - IP Logged
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If you are not very mobile or have very young children you go on before the regular passengers anyway, so only worth booking if you need the extra leg room seats (limited) or you can't bear queing. I find that unless you are near the back of the queue you can always get seats together. I have done both and am happy with both (depends how flush I am when booking!) I do agree that some SB people walk past with smug looks as they pass to board the bus first! I have heard some frightful rows with the staff at the gate from anxious travellers. Why oh why don't they just allocate seats?
Jane
Message posted by Sid Ari on 29 July 2011 at 5:06pm - IP Logged
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Speedy boarding is a must if you want to sit together. As said before, at Corfu airport they take you on a seperate bus ahead of everyone else. Also places are limited as we once tried to book and got the message 'speedy boarding is not available on your flight' even though seats were available.
Message posted by weeprincess on 29 July 2011 at 5:09pm - IP Logged
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Personally I dont see why you would want to be sat on the plane longer than you need to. I would never be at the front of any boarding queue, least of all pay for it. I hate sitting there waiting for everyone to board. When I board first because I have a toddler its just longer time to try and entertain a child in a very small restricted space. Much better to go on near the end in my opinion. However I do understand the appeal if large groups want to sit together.
Message posted by BruceAndMaria (Born again CTG member) on 29 July 2011 at 5:43pm - IP Logged
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It's not that easy being a speedy boarder, having to stand there trying to make up you mind where to sit with all those empty rows of seats the whole length of the plane and then having to decide which empty overhead luggage compartments to use.
Bruce
Message posted by Lavinia on 29 July 2011 at 5:49pm - IP Logged
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My son is 6 ft. 4 ins. and has an old rugby injury to his knee which was operated on. He finds sitting for any length of time very uncomfortable unless he can stretch his leg out. Speedy boarding for him is a luxury as he has the chance to find a seat with leg room. I am much shorter so don't bother.
Message posted by mossa on 29 July 2011 at 5:54pm - IP Logged
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Easyjet doesn't fly from Newcastle to Corfu. Our flights via tour operator are with Thomas Cook and we pre book seats (not expensive) and we can sit in chosen seats via the online plane seating plan, give or take a row or two.
It makes it less stressful when boarding.
Mo & Steve
Message posted by julesx2 on 29 July 2011 at 6:26pm - IP Logged
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julesx2
Pay for speedy boading or pay to sit together with say Thomas Cook is almost the same prices really. If you already had a seat number allocated on your boarding pass then no point in getting on first. Like anything really if you want ease of travelling then book speedy or sit together!! I personally wouldnt like to be forced to sit with a complete stranger for the flight and I have to be on hand to nudge Mr Jules if he snores too loudly so its speedy or sit together for us..julesxx
Message posted by Elliemay on 29 July 2011 at 6:29pm - IP Logged
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Hi,
With just the two of us we never book speedy boarding. We can either sit together on two of the three seats or sit either side of the isle. I really object to paying extra for speedy boarding and in the last seven years we have never not sat together!
Message posted by diane and steve on 29 July 2011 at 7:46pm - IP Logged
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If you have children under 5 (it may be 6) you go on aftr the speedy boarders and assisted boarders (wheelchairs etc)
You go on after the speedy boarders so that young kiddies can sit with their parents.
If I had children over 6 I would book sb as I wouldnt like them to have to sit somewhere else from me. I have never found it a bunfight-its only a bunfight if you make it so.
You have bought and paid for a seat and there will be one on the plane for you. OK if you want to sit together then book sb too-doesnt worry us, its only 3 hours and I like to chat, my hubby likes to read. Ive met some lovely people on the plane (I obviously dont go into chat mode if they dont want to talk!!)
It neednt be stressful if you dont get into the rush and push of it.
I am a nervous flyer as well, but I find that I keep myself together better if I sit apart from my party.
Message posted by Elliemay on 29 July 2011 at 8:03pm - IP Logged
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Hi,
I am pretty sure that I have read somewhere that any airline has to make sure that a child sits with at least one parent on a plane. Can't find the link at the moment, but am sure that any airline would not make a child sit on their own.
Message posted by Alecko on 30 July 2011 at 12:18am - IP Logged
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Speedy boarding was the cause of us taking off two hours late at Gatwick last year. We booked it as we are both getting on in years and I had not long had a new hip. Every thing was going fine for the early morning flight, the first SB's were on board and then every thing came to a stand still and we waited and waited. To cut a long story short the first SB had grabbed the door seats by putting his bags and coats on the adjacent seats, the next SB couple demanded to sit where the coats and bags were. First SB said he was saving them for his relations, second SB's complained to the Steward and there was a bit of a kerfuffle. Second SB's were told to sit elsewhere, our queue started to move again and eventually we got on board and sat down. The plane filled up and we thought that we would be taking off soon albeit a few minutes late due to the seating arrangements. The next minute the police were aboard and turfed off the second SB's who had complained, apparently the Steward was worried that some thing might kick off when we were in the air and didn't want to take a chance.( I don't know if the Captain had ordered this but I expect so).
After all this we had missed our slot and ended up taking off two hours late. All this was down to Speedy boarding and thoughtless and selfish passengers.
Sorry to be so long winded.
Alec.
Message posted by bobbo on 30 July 2011 at 12:21am - IP Logged
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Returning from Corfu with easyjet, 4 adults with 3 children were jostled out of the coach and were the last going up the steps. Wwe wanted 7 seats and they tried to keep us apart, which they mostly suceeded in and they weren't helpful at all, thankfully our 2 year old grand-daughter was having none of it, and they had to sort it out in the end.
Message posted by NIGEL on 30 July 2011 at 12:40am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Alecko on 30 July 2011
Speedy boarding was the cause of us taking off two hours late at Gatwick last year. We booked it as we are both getting on in years and I had not long had a new hip. Every thing was going fine for the early morning flight, the first SB's were on board and then every thing came to a stand still and we waited and waited. To cut a long story short the first SB had grabbed the door seats by putting his bags and coats on the adjacent seats, the next SB couple demanded to sit where the coats and bags were. First SB said he was saving them for his relations, second SB's complained to the Steward and there was a bit of a kerfuffle. Second SB's were told to sit elsewhere, our queue started to move again and eventually we got on board and sat down. The plane filled up and we thought that we would be taking off soon albeit a few minutes late due to the seating arrangements. The next minute the police were aboard and turfed off the second SB's who had complained, apparently the Steward was worried that some thing might kick off when we were in the air and didn't want to take a chance.( I don't know if the Captain had ordered this but I expect so).
After all this we had missed our slot and ended up taking off two hours late. All this was down to Speedy boarding and thoughtless and selfish passengers.
Sorry to be so long winded.
Alec.
Thats typical of some speedy boarders, they pay themselves and try to save seats for friends who have not paid, not on!! Easyjet are toying with the idea of paying for a seat if you want to just like Jet2 and that works well, no scrum or bust ups. I flew Easy from Athens to Manchester a couple of years ago and as soon as the guys called the SB's forward there was a massive charge from everyone, the flight was full. To their credit the ground staff sent the non SB's to the back of the line.
Message posted by BoltonLynda on 30 July 2011 at 7:03am - IP Logged
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I know that EY and Ryanair get some stick for not allocating seats, but I think it's great. None of this shuffling down the aisle with a vacant look on the face, as if they can't count from 1-49 and have no idea how ABC DEF works! Most people just get on the plane, sit in the first seat they come to, and the flights seem to take off much quicker. And the one-piece-of-hand-luggage-each is great too. At least I know that when I get to my seat, my hand luggage will be more or less right above me!
Message posted by mousey on 30 July 2011 at 3:13pm - IP Logged
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I'd rather spend the money on a bottle of duty free gin!
The art of not needing speedy boarding is get to the front of the gate before any announcements are made..its easy to spot...stand/sit to the right of the gate and get ready to spring to your toes when they announce the departure!
In Corfu they have loaded the speedies onto the bus first and then topped up with non-speedies...got to the plane and the non-speedies got off first!!
Great concept...but if you a re travelling with young kids, wheelchairs, invalids, older folk you get priority anyway especially if you book assistance.
Yammas!
x
Message posted by RUTH W on 30 July 2011 at 4:56pm - IP Logged
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I think it's £15..have just come back and wouldnt dream of NOT doing speedy boarding, it worked like a dream there and back. The main advantage for me is that you have have Speedy Boarding check in, and both at Manchester and Corfu the normal EJ queue was miles long! We were straight to the front and checked in within 5 minutes, which for me, as I am an quivering wreck until my passports have been checked and my cases weighed, meant much less nail biting time! Today at Corfu just as we entered the terminal, a security guard made the normal queue form into two lines (one of which was the SB queue) but once the check in clerk realised what had happened she sent all the non speedy peeps back to the other queue. I think you can imagine the uproar...so I was extremely glad to escape the furore and check straight in.
When the gate opened there appeared to be only 10 or 12 SB passengers, so there was no hustle and bustle, straight on the plane. You are actually only on the plane a minute or two earlier than the other passengers as the next bus seems to come hot on the heels of the first bus.
SPEEDY BOARDING EVERY TIME FOR ME
edit...forgot to add, as the first passengers were being seated (both SB and non SB) the steward made repeated announcements that no saving of seats was allowed and if a space was spotted they would fill it with a passenger! So they seem to be on to that little ruse
Message posted by wishiwas on 30 July 2011 at 11:06pm - IP Logged
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Well, it seems there are very good arguments for both ways! You pays your money and you takes your chance. I think the cost can differ depending when you book, but £15 seems about right.
Jane
Message posted by BruceAndMaria (Born again CTG member) on 31 July 2011 at 12:01am - IP Logged
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The E/J website does say that you cannot save seats for others, so it's really with the cabin staff to enforce this rule. That said, if you are one of the first on it hardly makes any difference whether you are in the first row or the second!.
Message posted by suffolk-steve on 31 July 2011 at 3:22pm - IP Logged
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So far, touching wood, we have never had a flight with EJ and not sat together.
Other way is to 'borrow' a child as people with kid's under 5, I think, board after Speedy Boarders.
Or, you could try limping and get special assistance.lol.
Will add not tried this.
Often thought of paying extra but Mrs Dextercat has always been against as we have no problems getting seats.
Message posted by joner55 on 31 July 2011 at 4:46pm - IP Logged
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My partner and I are travelling with easyjet from Bristol on 2nd September, did not even consider speedy boarding am I concerned. I've got a good book and my ipod my fellow passengers should be worried because if I fall asleep I do snore lol
Message posted by Elliemay on 31 July 2011 at 5:51pm - IP Logged
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Hi Chris,
We too have never paid for speedy boarding with easyJet and as of yet always managed to sit together.
I too object to paying more for the flight than is actually necessary.
We must be clocking up something like 20+ flights with them, and I cannot complain at all about their service.
Message posted by mousey on 31 July 2011 at 10:25pm - IP Logged
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Great flights and great service! Cant complain about them at all, except for the length of the queue at Manchester at 5 am...it was literally 300 peeps long with one check in desk, so to be able go to the front and be in the departure lounge eating breakfast and having a leisurely coffee was worth 5 times more than we paid...and as I said earlier, it saved us a 1 hour wait in the queue at Corfu airport, so we were through to departures, did a leisurely present shop at the duty free then had a sandwich and a drink all in complete relaxed mode!
Each to his own, depends what you have as priority, saving a few quid, or a more relaxed experience
Message posted by Elliemay on 31 July 2011 at 10:35pm - IP Logged
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After 10 wonderful years flying with easyjet have never ever booked pre book seats even with 9 of us we got to the gate early as from Manchester its the same 3 gates every time and just got on so why waste money when it can help the Greek economy on a few Mythos
Message posted by maureenandbrian on 01 October 2011 at 11:58am - IP Logged
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As EasyJet's whole operation relies on efficiency and fast turn around they board everyone as fast as possible anyway. I honestly cannot see any advantage!!
You get on and fill up the seats as you reach them at least, that is how it should happen
Message posted by ele 56 on 01 October 2011 at 6:43pm - IP Logged
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The only way speedy boarding would be advantageous in my opinion is if you are not carrying any luggage. It doesn't matter where you sit on the plane, if you have luggage, it all depends on when your case comes off at the other end. You could pay for speedy boarding but not worth it if your bag comes off last! You are still getting on that plane no matter what, so why pay?
Message posted by tully on 01 October 2011 at 6:43pm - IP Logged
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Never paid for SB as there will always be a seat, or failing that there's always the wing
My son came out last year with EJ and the woman getting on the plane in front of him asked the stewardess "where's first class"!!!
Message posted by ele 56 on 01 October 2011 at 6:52pm - IP Logged
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With so many travelling light ie only hand baggage once the overhead lockers are full any hand baggage goes in the hold at £40 each piece. So speedy boarding at £40 for the return trip is cheaper than getting done at £40 each way for each piece of hand baggage put in the hold
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